Wayne Leonard Lisinski, 75, of Elgin, passed away on Thursday November 14, 2024 with his loving wife by his side.

Wayne was born in Toledo, Ohio on March 31st, 1949 to the late Leon Lester Lisinski and Faith Eriksen Lisinski. He proudly joined the Navy just after graduating highschool in 1967, here he discovered his passion for welding. He utilized his time in the Navy to master his skills and complete multiple trainings and certifications as a welder and pipefitter, which he then turned into a lifelong career which began with the local 51 pipefitters union.

While stationed at the naval base in Newport, Rhode Island, Wayne met the love of his life, Joanne. In celebration of his retirement from bachelorhood his noble friends praised him as being a fierce fisherman, footballer, bowler, acrobat, stuntman, soaring roaring model airplane flyer, sly pool shark, robust roller skater, insane game hunter, vicious eater and all around great guy. On May 13th, 1972 Wayne married his soul mate, which started their 52 year journey of love and adventure. In 1976 they had their first child, Kari and then in 1982 welcomed their son Kevin. Wayne loved to take his family camping and had a special bond with each of his children.

As mentioned before, he had a wide variety of hobbies including bowling, hunting, fishing, glass etching, poetry, golf, singing, and archery. Of all the things he loved in life, being a Papa was one of the things that brought him the greatest sense of pride. In 1995 he welcomed his first granddaughter Kristie, with whom he shared a most special bond. Then in 1998, her baby sister Kassidy shared a spot on his lap to "rocka-with-the-papa". In 2004 he finally had a grandson, Hunter, to pass on his archery skills. Wayne even shared a bond with each of his great-grandchildren Khia, Thea, and Sutton (born to Kristie) and Josephine and Elliot (born to Kassidy). Wayne is survived by his wife Joanne, their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, countless friends, hunting buddies, coworkers, fellow union members, clients turned into friends, nieces, nephews, club members, and neighbors.

The service for Mr. Lisinski will be held at 10 o'clock on Wednesday, November 20th, at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 100 Polo Road, Columbia, with a reception to follow. Burial will be held at 3 o'clock, on Thursday, November 21st, at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia.